Method for inhibition of photocarcinogenesis or photoimmunosuppression using niacin

Abstract

The invention is directed to novel methods for the suppression of photocarcinogenesis and photoimmunosuppression in mice. The novel methods comprises the step of administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising niacin and a pharmaceutical carrier.

We claim:  
     
       1. A method for inhibiting photocarcinogenesis or photoimmunosuppression in a subject comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of niacin to a subject in need thereof wherein said niacin is in an amount effective to inhibit photocarcinogenesis or photoimmunosuppression in said subject. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said subject is a mammal. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2  wherein said mammal is a human. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administration comprises between about 1 mg niacin per kilogram of subject weight to about 100 mg per kilogram of subject weight. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administration comprises between about 10 mg niacin per kilogram of subject weight and about 40 mg per kilogram of subject weight. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said photocarcinogenesis or photoimmunosuppression is by sunlight or ultraviolet radiation. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said pharmaceutical composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1  wherein said pharmaceutical composition comprising niacin is administered orally to said subject. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject will be exposed to a photocarcinogenic agent. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject will be exposed to a photoimmunosuppresive agent.